Cape Tarai

Cape Tarai

VIEWPOINT

Minami Izu is famous for its gorgeous coastlines and Cape Tarai is no different. Getting here requires a bit of a hike, although there are multiple paths you can take according to difficulty. Bring your hiking boots as there are lots of stairs for you to climb! The climb is definitely worth the effort though. With a stunning view of the surrounding coastline, as well as a view of the Cape Tarai cave, you’re spoiled for choice here!

There is a free car park available here.

Review

This is definitely an unmissable sight for the hikers among you. You will have to climb up and down a lot of stairs (I recommend the nature route if you can handle the stairs). I drove and came in on the Toji route so I’m unable to tell you how the route is from the other side but I imagine it’s very similar.

The walk was quite hard for someone not used to climbing a lot of stairs. There are benches littered about the route for you to rest when you need to. You will walk past the Cape Tarai cave and round the winding, constantly ascending and descending route towards the cape if you’re heading from the Toji side. At the fork I recommend going the easy route first as you climb the stairs and take the nature route back to the fork.

Once you reach the cape you will be presented with a stunning view. Make sure you come here on a good day when the water is glistening as you will be lost for words by how beautiful it is! There isn’t much to do when you actually arrive at the cape, however it’s a great photo spot. There is also a table with benches so you could have a picnic here to rest.

Heading along the nature route will grace you with another great view. You will have to climb down lots of stairs until you reach sea level. There is a small rocky beach at the bottom which is also very pretty. The route back from here isn’t too interesting as it’s just climbing up the wooden stairs through the forest.

ADDRESS

Cape Tarai,
Minato,
Minami Izu,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
415-0152

+81558620141 (Japanese only)
http://www.town.minamiizu.shizuoka.jp.e.jv.hp.transer.com/docs/2013031200903/ (Google Translated English available)

RECOMMENDED ROUTE:

Cape Tarai is easiest to get to by car, however if you’re travelling by public transport then take the train from Atami to Shimoda on the Izukyu Line. Switch to the bus bound for Irozaki Port (石廊崎港) and get off at Kyukason bus stop. The cape is a 20 minute walk from the bus stop.